MEKONG DELTA:

The lush green emerald landscape of the Mekong is the southern most region of Vietnam.  The Mekong River, in Vietnamese Song Cuu Long, is said to be the “breadbasket” lifeline of Vietnam’s rising population.  The typical agrarian lifestyle is found in Mekong: The Mekong Delta is well known for its vast and complex water ways, ferry crossings, traditional rural life of a Vietnamese farmer, fruit gardens, and wooden boat these best exudes the character of the Mekong.  Time seems to move in slow motion as you drift down the river under the umbrella of the coconut trees feeling the cool breeze blowing across the surface of this magnificent river.

My Tho: A prosperous town with its exuberant orchards and vast rice fields.  Boat ride on the Mekong river to reach the Thai Son Islet where you can savor the delicious fresh fruits: coconuts, bananas, mangoes, longans, citrus fruits, etc.  See the production of honey liquor and production of noodles.  There is also a snake farm near by where people the venom of the Cobra for traditional medicine.  Travelers who have tried the snake wine can attest to its cures, because after you drink it you feel numb and drunk that you forget your illness.

Vinh Long: The provincial capital of Cuu Long Province, Vinh Long is a peaceful town of Mekong delta.  The evening cafe along the river gives a romantic setting especially during the sunset.  Boat ride on the Mekong River can take you visit the many varieties of bonsai or the well-known orchard where you can savor the fresh tropical fruits to your hearts content. 

Can Tho: The city of Can Tho, situated on the shore of Hau River, is supposed to be the southern capital of the Delta.  Sight-seeing boat ride along the Hau River to see the multitude of tropical fruit orchards, several floating markets especially the 7-canal intersection floating market or Phung Hiep floating market where boats and sampans are anchored side by side while bargaining and trading local commodities.  Moreover, the snake market near Phung Hiep floating market is very impressive not for the faint hearted.  The snake meat is incredibly delicious!

Long Xuyen: It is a typical rural place of Vietnam.  You will see the real agricultural life the Vietnamese people living in thatched roof dwellings.  The significance Long Xuyen is that it is located close to the area called “Oc Eo”.  This is an area where one of the first bronze drums and artifacts were discovered attesting to the advanced civilization of this area.  Also it is one of the areas where you will see the processing of rice from polishing stage to packaging.

Chau Doc: It is a commercial trading center not far from the Cambodian border.  The Tay An pagoda is renowned for the fine carving of hundreds of religious figures.  And the Temple of Lady Chua Xu (Holy Lady Pagoda) carries some Khmer characteristics.   This temple is where thousands of people make their pilgrimage to pay their respects and ask for help.   Usually the pilgrimage occurs in July and also before the Lunar New Year.  For those who are interested in landscape Chaudoc holds a picturesque view during sunset where one can look over to Cambodia and the entire Mekong Delta.  Also one can visit the Moslem-fishing village by rowboat the see the unique was of life of the Khmer people.